February 12, Kohima: The Kohima administration conducted an aerial survey on Wednesday to assess the ongoing forest fire in Dzükou Valley and Mt. Japfü.
The team was led by Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, along with officials from the District Disaster Management Authority, SDRF, and representatives of the Southern Angami Youth Organization.
The survey found that the southern, eastern, and western ranges of Dzükou Valley have largely been burnt, with only residual smoke in some areas.
However, active flames continue to burn on the northern face near Mt. Japfü, posing a serious risk of spreading towards Mt. Kahu and re-entering the unburnt areas of Dzükou Valley.
Authorities expressed particular concern over the heavily forested Kigwema slope. They said that due to the steep terrain and lack of accessible roads, ground firefighting operations are not feasible in the critical zones.
The team has recommended the immediate deployment of Indian Air Force helicopters with Bambi Buckets for aerial water-dousing operations to prevent further escalation.
The forest fire, which started in the last week of January, continues to burn.
The Kigwema Youth Organization has informed that trekking to Mt Japfü has been temporarily suspended until the situation is under control.